Thanjavur: On Friday, during a meeting with officials from all departments in Thanjavur, the deputy chief minister of Tamil Nadu O Panneerselvam said that the areas affected by Cyclone Gaja would be restored at the earliest. He gave examples of the earlier work in areas affected by natural calamities like tsunami, cyclones Vardah, Thane, Ochki and floods. Restoration is in full swing and the aim is to remove any trace of the calamity like in the previous disasters.  

Paneerselvam said that the cyclone has gravely damaged six districts and partially damaged six districts in the state. He allotted Rs 10 lakh to the kin of the 11 individuals, who lost their life in the cyclone, at the meeting. 

There are around 10,592 persons registered in the 55 relief camps of the Thanjavur districts. Basic necessities like food and other relief materials are provided in the camps. Traffic has been restored and the uprooted trees at the 2,170km stretch have also been removed.  

The deputy chief minister informed that 4,458 Tangedco workers are working towards restoring power supply in the area. So far, the city corporation has been restored with power supply. The municipalities of Kumbakonam and Pattukottai have received 83% power supply. 22 town panchayats have received 96% and other villages have 61% of power supply. He added that the entire district would get the supply within 2 days. 

While on his way to Karambalam village, people attempted to block the Panneerselvam’s convoy. According to reports, the police along with local AIADMK leaders like MP R Vaithilingam, spoke to the people assuring them swift distribution relief materials, power and water supply.   

When he was on the way to Aladikumulai, the police van with nine policemen along with sub inspector Saravanan, that was following the convoy, toppled in a sharp turn near Orathanadu, in Thanjavur-Pattukottai Road. They were injured and were rushed to Orathanadu government hospital.